Meet the Top 5 Data Science Mentors at Preplaced

Mastering data science can be daunting, but fear not.

We've got your back with a team of top-notch data science mentors who will guide you every step of the way.

⭐Introducing Mohit Khanna, Aparna Vasudevan, Chetan Mahajan, Ekta Shah, and Soudamini-your data science gurus at Preplaced!

These extraordinary mentors have not only conquered the data science universe but have also paved the way for countless aspiring data scientists like you.

What makes these mentors truly exceptional?

Well, it's their unparalleled expertise, industry experience, and passion for mentoring that sets them apart from the rest. ✨

They've been in your shoes and have successfully navigated the complexities of the data science landscape.

Now, they're here to share their secrets and empower you to achieve greatness.‍

Prepare to have your mind blown as we dive into the awe-inspiring profiles of these incredible mentors.

We'll uncover the remarkable stories of their career journeys, their unique mentoring philosophies, and the impact they've had on the lives of their mentees.

Trust me, their insights will blow you away.

1. Mohit Khanna

✈️Career Journey

📌Mohit Khanna is a seasoned Data Scientist with over 8 years of industry experience, currently working at Google on the Google Maps team.

His primary focus is on building counter-abusive models to ensure the Maps platform remains free from abuse.

He completed his Master's degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Data Science and Machine Learning from UIUC, which has provided him with a strong foundation in the field.

📌Mohit's expertise encompasses many areas, including Python, SQL, Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), machine learning, artificial intelligence, neural networks, and natural language processing (NLP).

He is also proficient in utilizing frameworks like TensorFlow and has hands-on experience in predictive modelling, advanced analytics, and statistical analysis.

Mohit's passion for data science extends beyond his professional work.

📌He has mentored over 20 individuals aspiring to work in FAANG/MAANG companies and has served as an Educator, demonstrating his commitment to sharing knowledge and helping others succeed.

His continuous learning mindset and openness to collaboration make him a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn and excel in data science.

⭐More about Mohit

• Extensive industry experience at top tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Oracle, providing insights into diverse work environments and industry practices.

• Proficient in building data products, ETL pipelines, and interactive dashboards for effective data analysis and visualization.

• Skilled in interpreting, deploying, and maintaining ML models in production, ensuring their successful integration into real-world applications.

• Specializes in utilizing Google BigQuery for handling large datasets, extracting valuable insights, and performing advanced analytics.

• Strong emphasis on effective communication, leadership, and teamwork, enabling collaboration with diverse teams to tackle complex challenges.

What are mentees saying about his 1:1 sessions?

Here is an excerpt from Mohit's interview:

‍➡️ Why did you decide to become a mentor?

There are many reasons why I became a mentor, but here are a few of the most important ones:

1. I want to give back. I've been fortunate to have had some great mentors in my own life, and I want to pay it forward by helping others achieve their goals.

2. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience. I've learned a lot over the years, and I love sharing that knowledge with others. It's a great way to stay connected to the industry and to help others grow.

3. I want to make a difference. I believe that mentoring can make a real difference in people's lives. I've seen firsthand how mentoring can help people reach their full potential, and I want to be a part of that.✨

I've been mentoring for several years now, and it's been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I've had the opportunity to meet some amazing people, and I've learned so much from them.

➡️ How have you benefitted from mentors in your life?

• They've helped me set and achieve goals. My mentors have helped me clarify my goals and develop a plan to achieve them. They've also provided me with feedback and support along the way.

• They've taught me valuable skills. My mentors have shared their knowledge and expertise with me, which has helped me develop my skills in my field. They've also taught me valuable life skills, such as how to manage my time effectively and how to deal with difficult situations.

• They've provided me with a sounding board. I've always been able to talk to my mentors about my challenges and successes. They've offered me wise counsel and helped me to see things from a different perspective.

• They've inspired me to be my best self. My mentors have always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. They've inspired me to reach for my dreams and never give up on my goals.✨

➡️ What’s been your favourite mentorship success story so far?

There have been quite a few success stories:

• A mentee who was struggling with imposter syndrome was able to overcome her fears and become a successful entrepreneur.✨

• A mentee who was having difficulty finding a job was able to land a dream job at a top company.✨

• A mentee who was going through a personal challenge was able to get the support and guidance she needed to get through it.✨

➡️ What is the best advice you’d like to give your mentees?

• Be clear about your goals.

• Be proactive.

• Be willing to learn.

• Be persistent.

• Be yourself.

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2. Aparna Vasudevan

✈️Career Journey

📌Aparna Vasudevan is a highly skilled Data Scientist with 6.5 years of experience in the field.

Throughout her career, she has gained extensive knowledge and expertise in various aspects of data science.

📌Aparna has been actively involved in the hiring process, serving on multiple hiring panels.

This experience has provided her with a deep understanding of the requirements and expectations to enter the field of data science.

Aparna is passionate about helping aspiring data scientists succeed in their interviews by sharing her experience and expertise.

📌Her proficiency includes Python, SQL, leadership, communication, teamwork, machine learning, predictive modelling, statistics, business analysis, and prediction algorithms. Aparna has successfully mentored over 50 individuals, guiding them on their data science journeys.

⭐More about Aparna

• Data science industry experience of 6.5 years, equipping her with practical knowledge and real-world insights.

• Extensive expertise in Python and SQL, key programming languages used in data science.

• Possesses strong leadership and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration and teamwork in diverse projects.

• Proficient in various areas of data science, including machine learning, predictive modelling, statistics, and business analysis.

• Has mentored over 50 individuals, providing guidance and support to aspiring data scientists and helping them navigate the interview process.

What are mentees saying about her 1:1 sessions?

Here is an excerpt from Aparna's interview:

➡️ Why did you decide to become a mentor?

I decided to become a mentor to give back to the tech community. Through this, I get to meet aspiring young people and learn a thing or two from them as well

➡️ How have you benefitted from mentors in your life?

I have been fortunate to have many great mentors in my life who are the reason I am here. Me taking up mentorship is a way of paying that debt forward.

➡️ What’s been your favourite mentorship success story so far?

I help my mentees in perfecting their resumes and when I hear back from them that they started getting more calls after that I really feel happy.

Also when I help them with mock interviews and they face similar questions in their real interview, they ace it and discuss how it helped them which is another fav success story

➡️ What is the best advice you’d like to give your mentees?

Be resilient and work smart. Consistent efforts will take you to heights.

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3. Chetan Mahajan

✈️Career Journey

📌Chetan Mahajan is an experienced professional with 10 years of expertise in the field of IT, specializing in Data Science and Advanced Data Analytics.

He holds a Microsoft certification as a Data Analyst and is recognized as a Power Platform expert.

For the past 4 years, Chetan has been working as an independent trainer and consultant, dedicating his time to mentoring and upskilling candidates from diverse backgrounds and geographies.

📌He firmly believes that mentoring is a vital component for fostering an enriching and inclusive community.

Chetan's training sessions are delivered with real-world experience, allowing him to connect with the candidates and address their specific challenges.

He places great importance on responsiveness and ensures that any queries or messages are promptly addressed.

⭐As an associate of Preplaced for over 1 year, Chetan has successfully guided numerous students to achieve career success.

He is enthusiastic about working with many more candidates and providing the best possible support and guidance.

⭐More about Chetan

• Microsoft certified Data Analyst and Power Platform expert, showcasing his specialized knowledge and proficiency in these domains.

• Extensive experience in Python, SQL, and PySpark, key tools and programming languages in the field of data science.

• Strong understanding of machine learning, artificial intelligence, neural networks, natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning, enabling him to tackle complex data science challenges.

• Proficient in TensorFlow, predictive modelling, advanced analytics, business analysis, prediction algorithms, and data visualization using Power BI.

• Passionate about mentoring and upskilling candidates, providing personalized guidance and support to help them succeed in their careers.

What are mentees saying about his 1:1 sessions?

Here is an excerpt from Chetan's interview:

➡️ Why did you decide to become a mentor?

⭐I decided to become a mentor because of my passion for sharing knowledge and helping others grow in their careers.

Having worked in the data analytics domain for several years, I realized the immense value of mentorship in shaping one's professional journey.

⭐I believe that mentorship is not only about imparting technical skills but also about providing guidance, support, and inspiration to individuals seeking to excel in their fields.

⭐As a mentor, I find great satisfaction in witnessing the growth and success of my mentees.

Guiding them through challenges, offering insights, and sharing my own experiences enables me to contribute to their development and help them avoid common pitfalls.

⭐Mentoring allows me to leverage my expertise and transfer it to the next generation of data analysts, enabling them to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of analytics with confidence.

➡️ How have you benefitted from mentors in your life?

⭐Mentors have played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional growth.

Their guidance, wisdom, and support have provided me with valuable insights and helped me navigate various challenges.

⭐Mentors have shared their experiences, allowing me to learn from their successes and failures.

They have provided encouragement and motivation during times of uncertainty, boosting my confidence and self-belief.

⭐Mentors have also served as trusted advisors, offering valuable advice and helping me make informed decisions.

Overall, the presence of mentors in my life has accelerated my learning, expanded my perspectives, and facilitated my development in ways that I couldn't have achieved alone.

➡️ What’s been your favourite mentorship success story so far?

⭐There are many but one of my favourite mentorship success stories was with a mentee who was struggling to crack data visualization interviews despite multiple attempts.

She felt confused and lacked clarity on how to approach the process effectively.

⭐Through our weekly mentorship sessions, we worked on refining their understanding of data visualization principles, exploring various tools and techniques, and honing her portfolio.

⭐I provided her with guidance on showcasing her skills and accomplishments in interviews by working on some real-world problems.

Over time, her confidence grew, and she started receiving positive responses from employers.

Ultimately, she has successfully secured a job in a renowned company, specializing in data visualization. That was a great satisfaction to be a mentor. :)

➡️ What is the best advice you’d like to give your mentees?

Here are a few key points:

• Embrace challenges: Don't shy away from difficult tasks or projects. Instead, view them as opportunities for growth.

• Seek feedback and act on it: Actively seek feedback from your colleagues, superiors, and mentors. Constructive feedback provides valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement.

• Build a strong professional network: Networking is essential for career growth. Connect with professionals in your field, join industry forums or communities, and attend relevant events.

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4. Ekta Shah

✈️Career Journey

Meet Ekta Shah, an outstanding mentor who helps people like you achieve their career goals.

Ekta has over 7 years of expertise in domains like SQL, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. She is a genuine authority in Neural Networks and Natural Language Processing (NLP).

Her deep understanding of these subjects lets her impart the knowledge and skills necessary for your success in Data Science.

As an Associate Architect - Machine Learning at Quantiphi, Ekta remains at the forefront of innovation. It ensures that her mentorship is not only informed by experience but also stays current and relevant.

Adding to her impressive portfolio, Ekta also serves as a Visiting Professor at SVKM's NMIMS. 

This lets her combine practical and academic knowledge to create a holistic learning experience.

⭐More about Ekta

• At Quantiphi, Ekta collaborates with client service-based companies, and her main duty is to understand their requirements and use cases to create solutions within the AI/ML field. Thanks to this, she has experience working with the entire data science life cycle.

• She believes there's one only one mantra for success and that's being adaptable. Even if your educational background may not perfectly align with the current industry, it's important to be flexible and switch your mindset as needed. 

• Beyond her technical prowess, Ekta places great importance on mental well-being. She strongly believes that having a positive mindset is crucial for achieving success.

What are mentees saying about her 1:1 sessions?

Here is an excerpt from Ekta’s interview.

➡️Why did you decide to become a mentor?

I chose to become a mentor because, despite dreaming of a career in engineering as a student, I always felt a strong inclination towards teaching. 

I was always inspired by my admiration for my own educators. Grateful for the teachers who shaped me, the idea of mentoring lingered in the back of my mind. 

In 2020, I seized the opportunity to become a visiting faculty at NMIMS. Connecting with young minds, I realised that mentoring was the ideal way to transition into teaching. 

Since then, my mentoring journey has been incredibly fulfilling. I'm motivated to continue helping a broader audience achieve their goals.

➡️How have you benefited from mentors in your life?

I'm really thankful for the mentors in my life who've had a big impact on who I am today. 

From teachers who helped me in school to mentors I met at work, I've been lucky to have people I could learn from at every step. I still keep in touch with most of them.

All along my journey, I've aimed high and tried to achieve new things. 

It's because of the constant support and guidance from my team leads and managers that I've been able to become the best version of myself.

I appreciate the mentors who've given me their time, knowledge, and their constant faith. 

I've learned a lot from them, and I hope to pass on those lessons by becoming a mentor to others, just like I've been lucky to have mentors in my own life.

➡️What’s been your favourite mentorship success story so far?

One of my favourites is when I helped a group of students ace their job interviews during placement season.

I had about three to four mentees, and I worked hard to make them shine as job candidates. We did lots of practice interviews, and it made me super happy to see them getting better each time.

When they finally got job offers, it was like a big win, and I felt really proud and fulfilled.

➡️What is the best advice you’d like to give your mentees?

Here's a little advice I'd love to share with you: Chase your dreams.

When you really love something, you've got this natural energy to make it happen. 

So, my tip for you is to keep that excitement alive and go for what you really want.

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5. Soudamini Sreepada

✈️Career Journey

📌Soudamini Sreepada is a highly accomplished professional with an impressive career spanning over 18 years, primarily at Microsoft.

She has worked on various high-impact projects and played multiple roles, including Software Engineer, Software Engineer in Test, Principle Data Scientist, and Manager.

📌Soudamini's extensive experience includes building and shipping multiple products, such as Windows and Bing, at Microsoft. Her exceptional contributions were recognized with the prestigious title of the Best Manager at Microsoft.

📌Currently, she is engaged as a freelance mentor, teacher, content creator, and principal data scientist at MUST Research, a budding startup. Soudamini's remarkable career also boasts three patents and two publications, further demonstrating her expertise and contributions to the field.

She has shared her knowledge and insights as a speaker at numerous conferences, showcasing her proficiency and thought leadership.

⭐More about Soudamini

• Offers a comprehensive interview preparation plan that includes curated learning resources, three sessions covering the interview process, profile review, and two mock interviews, along with Slack support for one month.

• Provides guidance and preparation for various rounds, including Statistics, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, System Design, and Problem Solving/Data Structure and Algorithms (DSA), with a specific focus on SQL or DBMS, depending on the company.

• Possesses strong leadership and communication skills, essential qualities for effective collaboration and mentorship.

• Expertise in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and deploying ML models on the cloud (MLOps), demonstrating a well-rounded skill set in data science and model deployment.

• Soudamini's notable achievements include three patents, two publications, and her experience as a speaker at multiple conferences, highlighting her contributions to the field and her commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements.

What are mentees saying about her 1:1 sessions?

Here is an excerpt from Soudamini's interview:

➡️ Why did you decide to become a mentor?

Mentoring is providing an anchor to empower each and every individual.

Couple of great mentors contributed to my personal growth and will be remembered for life.

After completing my successful stinct at Microsoft, I felt that my time would be more meaningful if I contribute to others success.

➡️ How have you benefitted from mentors in your life?

Yes, I am fortunate to have worked with great mentors and managers.  

They made me introspect and evolve as an individual both professionally and personally.

➡️ What’s been your favourite mentorship success story so far?

Mentees qualified in companies like Meta, Onetrust, and Hexaware.

I have mentored freshers to individual contributors. The most important and satisfying outcome is that they become more self-aware and passionate towards their work.

➡️ What is the best advice you’d like to give your mentees?

Always excel at whatever you do. Understanding the concepts in-depth with application-oriented focus is the key to shine.

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To wrap it up

As we wrap up our exploration of data science, we've covered crucial topics that will elevate your skills to new heights.

In our journey, we've delved into the realms of data analysis, machine learning, statistical modelling, data visualisation, and more.

By familiarizing yourself with these concepts and practising real-world applications, you've built a solid foundation to excel in the field of data science.

However, data science is a rapidly evolving field, and staying ahead of the curve is essential.

That's why we're thrilled to introduce our exceptional mentors: Mohit Khanna, Aparna Vasudevan, Chetan Mahajan, Sandeep Sricharan Mukku, and Soudamini.

These mentors bring unparalleled expertise, industry experience, and a passion for guiding aspiring data scientists like you.

Imagine having direct access to professionals who have worked at leading tech companies such as Google, Amazon, Oracle, and Microsoft.

These mentors have built data products, deployed machine learning models in production, handled vast datasets, and thrived in diverse work environments.

Now, they're eager to share their knowledge, help you overcome challenges, and propel your career growth.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the best in the field.

Whether you're a beginner looking to kickstart your career or an experienced professional seeking to upskill, our mentors are dedicated to helping you succeed.

Remember, the right mentor can make all the difference in your data science journey.

Don't wait any longer—take the first step towards achieving your goals today.

Get Your Free 1:1 Trial Session with a Data Science Mentor

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Read:

Amit’s Story: Getting placed as a Data Scientist in Big 4

Overcoming Rejection: Divya’s Journey to a Data Analyst Role